Lisa McLain Bullis Charter School, League News, Observer Reports

Bullis Charter School Board Meeting May 2017

BULLIS CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MAY 15, 2017

There were four items on this board agenda of particular interest to the League of Women Voters of Los Altos-Mountain View Area:

  1. BCS LCAP 2017-2018.  Every school district in California is required to fill out a form of their Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), present it to their board, and submit it to their county office of education. Cynthia Brietson, Principal/Director of Educational Services for Bullis Charter School, described at length the highly detailed form requirements that continue from year to year so that they can compare their progress over time. This time she could point to the brand new “state report card” that all schools and districts are compared by. This new system is meant to show a “dashboard” of colors, with blue rankings the highest possible, next green, next yellow, next orange, and finally red. Principal Brietsen was able to show the BCS board members that BCS scores “blue” in all the reported categories. Since BCS is all blue, the key for them now is to focus on fidelity, meaning they should continue with the programs, processes, teaching, and parent involvement that make BCS a successful school. One specific recommendation was to continue with professional development for their teachers and staff.
  2. With two BCS board members leaving the board at the end of their term the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee searched and interviewed interested new board members. Nominating Committee Chair David Jaques described their recommended choices; the board will vote to approve them at the next board meeting. Expressions of appreciation were extended to departing board members Jennifer Carolan and Tom Dennedy.
  3. Board members all over the region are grappling with the high cost of housing as they work to attract and retain quality teachers and staff. At tonight’s board meeting the board heard a presentation on teacher housing issues and options by Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Deputy Superintendent of the Santa Clara Office of Education. In addition to this presentation Dr. Dewan also alerted the board members of two potential options to help teachers with their down payment for a home in the Bay Area. One option is via a start-up called Landed. (Los Altos School District and Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District are also looking into the Landed investment model.) Another potential option is AB 1182 (Evan Low) which would help provide a down payment for teachers in high cost counties who teach in the fields of bilingual education, STEM, or special education. (This bill is currently in the Appropriations Committee. LWVC has not taken a position on this bill since it doesn’t cover all of California.)
  4. Board members heard a presentation by Betsy Nikolchev, Executive Director of the Foothill College Family Engagement Institute, on “Stretch to Kindergarten.” STK is a tuition-free six plus week pre-K spring/summer program for underserved families that operates in many local school districts including at Bullis Charter School. The priority for enrollment is for children who have not attended a quality preschool and who come from low income families. There’s a strong parent education component as well as providing internships for youth interested in this field. The STK class of 2017 has 16 children enrolled, 14 of which are Spanish speaking. These children are from Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, East Palo Alto, and Oak Grove School District in San Jose.

— Ellen Wheeler, Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Mountain View Los Altos High School District, Observer Reports

Mountain View – Los Altos High School District (MVLA) May 2017

MOUNTAIN VIEW LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY 8, 2017

Five Reports/Discussions/Action items were on the agenda of the May 8, 2017 MVLA Board of Trustees meeting that are of particular interest to Leaguers.

  1. Assistant Superintendent Mike Mathiesen gave the board an update on the Facilities Master Plan they’ve been working and reporting on since March of this year. The draft Ed Specs were received by the District Administration on April 27, but were not ready for public viewing or comment for tonight’s meeting.  They’ve scheduled two public Master Plan meetings to show and explain their work – one at Los Altos High School on May 17 and one at Mountain View High School on May 24, and the plans will be available for viewing before those meetings. These draft plans were created by Quattrochi Kwok Architects (QKA). The plans will include recommendations to expand both high schools to accommodate expected growth in student population. Mr. Mathieson noted that the last tine MVLA drafted a Facilities Master Plan was over 20 years ago.
  2. The board heard a presentation and recommendation by Superintendent Jeff Harding of SB 751 (Hill/Glazer). SB 751 would modify the state education budget reserve cap “to restore governing board flexibility over the use of reserves to adequately prepare for economic difficulties and save for investments in educational programs.” Currently there exist conditions where school districts like MVLA would be limited to having a 6% reserve. SB 751 would allow school districts to carry a 17% reserve. The board voted unanimously to endorse this bill.
  3. The board heard a recommendation to approve the tentative collective bargaining agreement with their teachers union. This agreement reached back to last year (2016-17) to approve a 5.75% raise for district teachers. The agreement shown to the board shows a budget that can healthily maintain this raise for three years. This budget also includes the rise in STRS/PERS contribution rates from 12.58/13.88% in 2016-17 to 14.43/15.8% in  2017-18 and 16.28/18.70% in 2018-19. (Trustees know that these rates will continue to rise.) The board voted unanimously to approve this raise.
  4. The board then approved the identical raise for their classified staff.
  5. The board then approved the identical raise for their “unrepresented employees” (confidential, supervisory, and management).

— Ellen Wheeler, Substitute Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Los Altos City Council, Observer Reports

Los Altos City Council Meeting May 2017

Los Altos City Council – May 2017

May 9, 2017

The City Council approved the revised University Avenue Crosswalk Improvement Project. Council provided input on the robust affordable housing program that city staff is developing for the area. The program provides incentives to developers: in exchange for greater building height and density, developers must provide affordable housing. The Council’s ambitious goal is to have 20% of the new housing be affordable to individuals and families It authorized the City Manager, Chris Jordan, to execute the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for FY 2017-18 and authorized up to $170,050 of CDBG funds for the University Avenue Project. The CDBG funds are awarded from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to the county, and then through the county to small cities to remove barriers for public safety and for the disabled, both of which were the main issues for residents on University Avenue. The Project modifies the crosswalk section of University Avenue at Burke Rd. A prior use of funds modified University and Lincoln Avenue. By approving use of the CDBG funds, $170,050 remains in the Capital Improvement Project monies for other improvement projects to the city.

The city council reviewed and concurred that the starting point for identifying affordable housing opportunities are the goals, policies and programs of the Housing Element of the city’s General Plan. The current plan continues from 2015-2023. The City Council reviewed Goal 2 – strive to maintain variety in housing by location and type – and Goal 4 – variety of densities and types are found in appropriate locations and that the housing accommodates needs in all income categories. Mayor Mary Prochnow urged council members to adopt new ordinances in order to open new housing opportunities. Several solutions were suggested such as, micro-units; offers to lease city-owned property to developers to defray costs to affordable housing; offer rent subsidies to city employees and teachers; and alternate dwelling units. Arguments pro and con on the “granny units” dominated the meeting time. Should larger size units (more than 800 square feet on less than 15,000 square feet lots) be allowed? The May 23 meeting will make final decisions.

May 23, 2017

The affordable housing decision on accessory dwelling units (granny units), assigned to the May 23 meeting for resolution, was continued.

From the Consent Calendar, the City Council awarded the construction contract to Wattis Construction Inc. to proceed with the next part of the University Avenue Crosswalk Improvement Project. The West Edith and University Avenue intersection adjacent to Foothill Expressway will be improved by constructing a crosswalk with bulb-outs and an in-road flashing light system. The council appropriated an additional $97, 318 from Capital Improvement Project monies to assign $234, 34 in total to implement the construction.

The city council interviewed 35 candidates for the Hillview Community Center Project Task Force and voted for 11 at the meeting. The council appointed the following:  Claudia Coleman (Chair), Maria Bautista, Philip Chou, Brian Cilker, Katherine Cushing, Stuart Eckmann, Stuart Klein, Barbara Loebner, Susan Mensinger, Dennis Young, and Cathy Lazarus. (Cathy Lazarus, Susan Mensinger, and Claudia Coleman are all League members.) Mary Prochnow, Mayor, stated that the council looked for a diverse group of residents, a variety of skills, and an ability to stay on task. The ad hoc committee will work for 6-8 months.

—Claire Noonan, Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Los Altos City Council, Observer Reports

Los Altos City Council Meeting April 2017

Los Altos City Council – April 2017

April 25, 2017

Daniel Varela, Assistant Civil Engineer, presented the construction contract award proposal for the Covington Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project. Bids were initiated with direction from the comprehensive December 2010 Blach Neighborhood Traffic Study for safety and mobility needs. The low bid of $387,632, submitted by and awarded to Watt’s Construction, will cover upgrades on Covington from Miramonte to Eastwood Drive, including bike lanes on both sides, a sidewalk gap closure on the south side, and ten-foot wide driving lanes. An extra appropriation of $150,000 from the Capital Improvement Project covers the additional cost from the original budget appropriation.

Christopher Lamm, Engineering Services Manager, presented the community center feasibility assessment with an original budget of $20 million. There are three options possible.

Renovation

Because the Hillview buildings are very old renovation costs per square foot ($720) would exceed the cost of new construction.

A phased build out

This plan would include a two-story building to allow for outdoor open space for programs and an 11,000 square foot gymnasium.  A 500seat theater would be added later. The cost would be $58 million.

New community center

The staff recommended this option and the city council approved it. New construction would cost $605 per square foot and create a Capital Improvement Project budget of $25 million. As for financing, in November 2016 the staff identified $27 million unrestricted funds, and a transfer over ten years of $30-35 million can be made from General Funds to the Capital Improvement Program. The city council directed the staff to select a qualified architect.

To ensure community engagement, the city council adopted the establishment of a Hillview Community Center Plan Task Force ​consisting of 11 members appointed by the Council​.

—Claire Noonan, Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Mountain View City Council, Observer Reports

Mountain View City Council Meeting April 2017

Council Goal Setting – Phase 2

Previously, the City Council set four major thematic goals for the coming two-year cycle. On April 18th, the Council ranked from among dozens of possible projects to fulfill those goals. City staff will further evaluate the feasibility and cost of the priority goals and return to Council for final approval before the budget is adopted in June. Here are some of the highly ranked projects organized by goal:

1. Protect Vulnerable Populations and Preserve Socioeconomic and Cultural Diversity

    • Study of registry, Sanctuary City, and Freedom City policies
    • Age-Friendly City initiatives (World Health Organization designation)
    • Homelessness and mental health services
    • Additional access to information and resources for immigrants
    • Initiatives for workers (local hire, wage theft)

2. Improve the Quantity, Diversity, and Affordability of Housing

    • Short-term residential rental regulations (Airbnb)
    • Request for proposals for development of downtown parking lot 12
    • Terra Bella area Visioning and Development Principles
    • Below Market Rate Ordinance update – Condo Mapping
    • Exploration of strategies to increase ownership

3. Strategies to Achieve Mobility, Connectivity, and Safety for People of All Ages

    • Comprehensive modal plan involving regional transit agencies and stakeholders.
    • An automated guideway connecting downtown to North Bayshore.
    • Exploration of a tax on employers to fund transportation improvements
    • Transit Center Master Plan
    • Bicycle corridor on Evelyn

4. Promote Environmental Sustainability with Measurable Outcomes

    • Reform the Environmental Sustainability Task Force
    • Explore new strategies for acquiring park land
    • Participate in South Bay Salt Ponds project with CA State Coastal Commission
    • North Bayshore Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures & Performance Measurements

Appointment of Rental Housing Committee Members

Also on April 18th, after a lengthy and contentious interview process lasting several months, the Council formally appointed the five members and one alternate to the new Rental Housing Committee, established by the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (adopted as Measure V in November 2016). The Committee is charged with developing the regulatory framework for the rent stabilization program, appointing hearing officers, and adjudicating petitions by tenants and landlords.

In a surprise change, the Council decided by a 4-3 vote to appoint Human Relations Commissioner Evan Ortiz to the Committee instead of designating him as the alternate. Attorney Julian Pardo de Zela was instead appointed as the alternate. The remaining members of the Committee are former Mayor Tom Means, landlord Matthew Grunewald, property manager Vanessa Honey, and mechanical engineer Emily Ramos. Of the members, only Ortiz and Ramos are renters.

City Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program

Council continues to craft the budget for the next fiscal year. In a special study session on Thursday, April 27th, City staff reported an estimated $18.9 million operating balance for Fiscal Year 2016-17, prior to $4 million contributions to City employee retirement and post-employment health benefits and $2.5 million to reserves. The remaining $12.4 million is recommended to fund limited-period expenditures, supplement reserves, and make additional contributions towards the City’s unfunded employee benefit liabilities. The Council largely approved the staff recommendations, the most significant of which is to allocate a one-time $10 million contribution to pay down the unfunded liabilities and use revenue generated from the Google Amphitheatre parking agreement to pay down an additional $10 million. The first public hearing of the budget is scheduled for June 13, and final adoption is scheduled for June 20.

On the same evening, the Council reviewed the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. Again, the Council largely accepted the staff recommendations. Significant projects include the Rengstorff Aquatics Center design and construction, All-Inclusive Playground, Shoreline Boulevard Interim Bus Lane (a reversible bus-only/transit lane down the median of Shoreline Blvd), Shoreline Blvd at Highway 101 Pedestrian/Bicycle Overcrossing Construction, El Monte Corridor Study (for bicycle/pedestrian safety), and Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts Second Stage Addition (to allow concurrent use of the Main Stage and Second Stage). “Community Benefits” funding, a new source of money from development that precedes precise plans or receives exceptions to development standards, was also discussed by Council. Four projects received priority for Community Benefits funding: Rengstorff Grade Separation Environmental Clearance, Mayfield Tunnel (extending the San Antonio Caltrain Station tunnel across Central Expressway), Library Remodel, and Transit Center Master Plan Next Steps.

—Lucas Ramirez, Julie Lovins, Observers

Lisa McLain League News, Los Altos City Council, Observer Reports

Los Altos City Council March 2017

Los Altos City Council-March 2017

March 14, 2017

The City Council approved the draft implementation schedule for the 2017 Strategic Priorities as requested at the February 28, 2017 council meeting. The schedule includes the staff’s list of objectives and tasks with dates for implementing, and dates for stated objectives for each of the seven priorities. Also included are the financial and human resources required for implementation and completion. Staff has been divided into teams to deliver on each priority with quarterly updates and notification of changes that come up. Note that Hillview Civic Center is scheduled to break ground for the new project in December 2018 and be completed in December 2020. In addition, staff have scheduled the $2.5 million for improvement of safe school routes in Los Altos by 2018/19.

City Council concurred with the Community Engagement Plan (Priority 7) aligned with the Downtown Vision Process (Priority 1). The council heard from RRM Design Croup, represented by Debbie Rudd, and Land Econ Group, represented by Bill Lee. The presentation analyzed the strengths, challenges, constraints and offered policy recommendations. First, the consultant, Debbie Rudd, recommended ten ways to engage the community, including using an available commercial space as a “Step In” for city staff to get input, and sponsoring a “kick-off” event in March (if possible) to start the process.

Consultant Bill Lee presented four future scenarios for the downtown area, especially recommending the downtown as ideal for a pedestrian district. Scenario 1 describes small tweaks to downtown as it now stands. The next 3 describe plans with different levels of building height limits and amount of parking space per 1000 square feet. Of interest is Scenario 3 which accounts for public use like a theater and parking structures. After viewing the possible scenarios, seven recommendations from types of services to historic importance of structures were outlined. The final recommendation is to institute a review, using the community engagement strategies outlined to city council members.

March 28, 2017

Every two years the council is required by state law to reconsider speed limits in the city. Currently, Los Altos residents are troubled by the traffic on residential streets. City Council did not adopt Resolution #2017-12 that would have approved an engineering and traffic survey for raising the speed limit by 5 mph on Cuesta between Springer and San Antonio Road, one of many identified street segments of concern in Los Altos. Fourteen speakers who live on or near Cuesta said “no”, and, instead, asked for traffic calming measures, such as blinking lights at cross walks, speed bumps, raised curbs, mobile speed trailers, and increased visible speed limit signs.

Related to traffic concerns, the City Council by vote of 3/1 directed council members Jeannie Bruins and Lynette Lee Eng to act as liaisons with staff to coordinate changes for and to reconsider the responsibilities of the Planning and Transportation Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Three speakers addressed the city’s problems with transportation commissions, suggesting a complete street commission and looking at resolutions by Fremont in the East Bay. Council member Jan Pepper requested a schedule and date when the group would come back with a result and/or options. Bruins suggested a month from now, April 2017.

—Claire Noonan, Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Mountain View City Council, Observer Reports

Mountain View City Council March 2017

Mountain View Transit Center Master Plan

To improve capacity, safety, bicycle/pedestrian connections, and integration with Downtown, a dramatic redesign of the Transit Center is underway. In the first phase of the planning process, the Council directed city staff to study closing Castro Street to vehicular traffic, creating a bicycle/pedestrian undercrossing to connect Castro with Moffett Boulevard, realigning Evelyn Avenue across Castro, and constructing a ramp connecting Evelyn to Shoreline Boulevard.

The second phase includes a comprehensive evaluation of many other elements of the Transit Center, including parking needs, land use, joint development, Centennial Plaza design, and shuttle pickup and drop-off facilities. On March 21st, the Council directed staff to explore a concept that includes underground parking, maximum joint development opportunities fully integrated in the Transit Center, bus and shuttle loading facilities along Central Expressway, a significantly expanded multi-level plaza area, and a ramp connecting Central Expressway to the underground parking garage. Much work remains to be done in this planning process, and there will be many opportunities for public input.

Regulation of On-Demand Mobile Fueling

In the same meeting, the Council considered regulations for a nascent industry: on-demand mobile fueling. This service allows individuals to submit a request for a gasoline fill-up through a mobile application, and the providers transport the fuel directly to the customer’s vehicle at any site. Although company representatives and satisfied customers both attested to the safety precautions taken by the fuel providers, the Council supported the recommendation of city staff and adopted a resolution enacting strong regulations of the industry based on the International Fire Code. The regulations include a site permitting process, which requires a permit for every address at which mobile fueling is provided, and effective prohibition of service in residential areas.

Strategies to Assist the Homeless

On March 7th, the Council approved a number of expenditures for programs and staffing increases to assist homeless members of our community. These include funding for an Outreach Worker and a Case Worker, exploration of a pilot RV waste disposal program, funding for Permanent Supportive Housing assistance and Rapid Rehousing for unstably housed residents, and funding for a Porta-Potti at Rengstorff Park to serve residents living in vehicles on Crisanto Avenue. The Council also supported strategies to encourage the development of interim and permanent supportive housing, including consideration of modifications of the Industrial to Residential Conversion Policy to make housing for the homeless easier to develop in areas currently zoned for industrial uses.

Gatekeeper Process & Long-Range Planning

Gatekeepers are development proposals that must go through a preliminary approval process because a discretionary action by the Council, like a General Plan or Precise Plan Amendment, is required. The Council must first authorize the use of staff resources for such a proposal before it can proceed to the entitlements process. Given an unprecedented number of gatekeeper proposals over the past few years, the Council directed staff to modify and standardize the process, which has been largely ad hoc. The Council supported requiring public noticing of gatekeeper applications (previously, only noticing in the Council agenda was required), adopting a rating system to evaluate applications, enforcing a time-limit for applications, and requiring applicants to resubmit a proposal if there is a transfer of ownership.

—Lucas Ramirez, Julie Lovins, Observers

Lisa McLain Foothill-De Anza Community College District, League News, Observer Reports

Foothill-De Anza Community College District March 2017

Foothill-De Anza Trustees

March 6, 2017:  An additional $1.3 million was appropriated for the renovation of the flint center parking structure.  New Tenure Recipients were approved and recognized for both colleges, five at Foothill and 9 at De Anza.

  A Report on the Foothill College Sunnyvale Center at the former Onizuka Air Force Station was read.  Total construction cost was $30.8 million.  It’s on 9.15 acres at Hwys 101 and 237, served by light rail and next to 4.6 acres reserved for homeless housing, which it might later expand into.  Its campus forms an equilateral triangle with the campuses of Foothill in LAH and De Anza in Cupertino.  It replaced the Middlefield Center in Palo Alto, starting last Sept. 26, 2016.  Demand for evening classes often overflows its parking, but it’s on light rail.  Estimated enrollment for 3 quarters of credit courses adds up to 6,483 students or 1211 FTES.      

February 6, 2017:  Vice Chancellor Kevin McElroy said that at De Anza L-7 renovation and campus wide electronic locks are nearing completion.  At Foothill building the new district offices began January 23, 2017 and should be completed by April, 2018.

   Executive Director Jory Hadsell discussed the On Line Education Initiative (OEI).  He said that 103 of the 113 California Community Colleges intend to migrate to Canvas course management system selected by OEI.  Vice Chancellor Joe Moreau said California saved 45% in negotiating an online plagiarism detection program.

January 9, 2017:  The trustees approved new certificates:  (1) at Foothill, instructional design & technology, and emergency medical technician  (2) at De Anza, programming in Python, quality control technician, women’s studies, and a new associate degree for transfer in anthropology.

   The Board approved a fee-based summer enrichment program for 2017 at three Cupertino district schools, involving 1st through 10th grades.

—Terry Terman, Observer

Lisa McLain League News, Mountain View Los Altos High School District, Observer Reports

Mountain View – Los Altos High School District (MVLA) March 2017

The College and Career Guidance Center Coordinators gave a presentation describing improvements made this year in response to visiting various high schools in the region.  Counselors at MVHS and LAHS each created a College Counseling Handbook for Juniors, paid for by the MVLA Foundation.  Board members requested that the two departments work together to combine their handbooks for next year.  Both departments increased advising for seniors and presentations for juniors.

Mike Mathiesen, Associate Superintendent, presented the Second Interim Budget report, which was approved.  The district is in a very good financial situation and will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 2016-17 fiscal year and two subsequent years while maintaining the minimum state mandated 3% reserve.  Additional donations of $160,000 (including $100,000 from the Tides Foundation) increased revenues compared with the First Interim Budget Report.  Lower medical premiums account for reduced expenditures of $821,000.  New board policy calls for a reserve of
the state-required 3% plus 17% (2 months expenses), which would be a total of $16.3 million.  The current budget has a reserve of $13.2 million due to insufficient revenues to meet the target reserve.  Budgets in future years will move towards a full 20% reserve.

The board passed a resolution in support of undocumented students and their families; endorsed Measure B, the Mountain View Whisman School District parcel tax which will be on the May 2 mail-in ballot; and voted for the incumbents in the California School Board Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly Election.

— Sally Ahnger, Observer

 

Lisa McLain League News, Mountain View Los Altos High School District, Observer Reports

Mountain View – Los Altos High School District February 2017

The board conducted the annual review of Alta Vista High School (AVHS), which continues to be a model continuation high school and the top continuation school in the county.  AVHS has taken over the Terra Bella program for 15 high-risk youth from 4 local high schools, which had been run by the county.  Now called the Alta Vista Opportunity Program, it includes small classes, 1-1 teaching, physical education at the local YMCA, and construction skills classes.

A report was given on the audit conducted by Principals Exchange to help the district identify institutional barriers to narrowing the achievement gap.  The audit found many current programs to be effective and recommended enhancements and a more strategic approach.  Math placement was an important item in the audit results and a separate report on this year’s math placement effectiveness showed that out of 868 ninth graders from partner schools, only 30 schedule changes were processed in the first semester, including 8 students who moved down, 3 who moved up, and 11 who moved from honors to a regular class.

Associate Superintendent Eric Goddard introduced Cynthia Greaves who had just been hired into the newly created position of Communications Director.

The board adopted a resolution supporting the “My Name, My Identity” Campaign developed by the National Association for Bilingual Education to advocate for pronouncing students’ names correctly and learning the stories behind the names.

The controversy over history teacher Frank Navarro’s comments about Pres. Trump continues, with a parent speaking in the board meeting to ask that the board respond to an open letter sent from Navarro to Superintendent Harding and published in the Oracle.  That parent also complained that the school did not inform parents in a timely way about off-campus parties in which a parent provided students with alcoholic beverages.  The San Francisco Chronicle published an article about the parties on Feb 3.

—Sally Ahnger, Observer